WICHITA, Kan. — The 1A Faculty Athletics Representatives (1A FAR) Board is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award, honoring outstanding student-athletes who have achieved remarkable academic success while competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics.

The 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award recognizes student-athletes who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.80 or higher and have participated in at least two years of NCAA intercollegiate athletics at a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institution.

This prestigious award celebrates the dedication, discipline, and perseverance these individuals demonstrate both in the classroom and in competition. Each recipient was nominated by their respective institution and represents one of the 10 FBS conferences or FBS independent programs.

"The 1A FAR Academic Excellence Award highlights the true spirit of collegiate athletics," said Dr. Clay Stoldt, Wichita State Faculty Athletics Representative. "These student-athletes exemplify what it means to excel academically while balancing the demanding responsibilities of Division I athletics."

The full list of honorees is available on the 1A FAR website: https://oneafar.org/1a-far-academic-excellence-award

Among this year's honorees are:

• Grant Adler, Baseball
• Nate Adler, Baseball
• Ella Anciaux, Women's Basketball
• Adam Balatka, Men's Golf
• Annalie Heliste, Volleyball
• Abby Klipstein, Women's Track and Field
• Anne Knuttel, Women's Tennis
• Kristof Minarik, Men's Tennis
• Chidera Okoro, Women's Track and Field
• Mattelyn Swartz, Women's Track and Field
• Riley Vandaveer, Men's Track and Field

These student-athletes join a distinguished group recognized nationally for their commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

About 1A FAR
The 1A Faculty Athletics Representatives (1A FAR) organization is dedicated to supporting the academic integrity of intercollegiate athletics at the Division I level. 1A FAR promotes the role of faculty representatives in ensuring the balance between academics and athletics, fostering environments where student-athletes can thrive both in competition and in the classroom.